William Devane, born in Albany, New York, is an esteemed actor known for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Born to Joseph Devane, who served as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s chauffeur during his gubernatorial tenure, Devane’s journey into the world of acting began after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Despite an initial setback with a short-lived Broadway debut, Devane’s talent soon shone through. His breakthrough came with roles in notable productions like “The Missiles of October” (1974), where he portrayed President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, earning critical acclaim.
Devane’s cinematic repertoire expanded with memorable performances in films such as “Family Plot” (1976), “Marathon Man” (1976), and “Yanks” (1979). However, his transition to movie stardom faced challenges, notably with the commercial failure of “Honky Tonk Freeway” (1981).
Undeterred, Devane found enduring success on the small screen, notably as Greg Sumner in the long-running nighttime soap opera “Knots Landing” (1979-1993). His uncanny resemblance to President Kennedy and mastery of a Kennedyesque Boston accent made him a sought-after choice for political roles in television dramas like “The West Wing” (1999) and “24” (2001).
Devane’s career continued to thrive with notable appearances in diverse projects like “Interstellar” (2014) and the sitcom “The Grinder” (2015). In 2022, he captivated audiences with a guest arc on the detective series “Bosch: Legacy.”
Off-screen, Devane cherishes family life with his wife Eugenie McCabe, residing in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, with their two sons and two grandsons. He divides his time between his ranches in California and Montana, embodying the quintessential American actor both on and off-camera.
